2018 Maruti Suzuki Ertiga : India's Popular 'Family MPV' Gets A Much Needed Makeover

Maruti Suzuki’s decision to introduce the Ertiga MPV for the Indian market was a stroke of genius. 6 years, 4.2 lakh happy customers later the Ertiga remains the undisputed leader in the current Indian MPV segment. There are quite a few factors behind the success of the Ertiga – an MPV by India’s most trusted car brands, flexibility of 7 seats, felt like a compact/smaller car when driven, tried and tested efficient engines (petrol, diesel and CNG), amazing value for money at an extremely competitive price. The Ertiga is a car that caters to the Indian family very well. Not only is it a great people mover but it has all the attributes that make for a great family car – practical, good on space, good flexibility on offer for both passengers and or luggage, easy to drive, efficient performance, easy on the pocket to maintain. Having a large density of joint families, and nuclear families alike India is a perfect market for cars the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. Maruti has recently launched the refreshed, facelifted 2018 Ertiga. Let’s find out what the new Ertiga is all about…

  The Ertiga greets you with a nice first impression. Yes, the car does maintain the van-like stance but the new look Ertiga sports a modern design – the neat cuts, sharp edges which add sophistication. The 2018 Ertiga gets a new face up front. With a newly designed chrome-studded grille, new swept back headlamps (some may argue that the new headlamps look quite like the Innova Crysta’s). Strong character lines running across the length of the car merge well with the bold and refreshed rear section. The changes don’t stop on the outside as the Ertiga gets a new, updated interior too. Enter the Ertiga and you are greeted by the familiar beige color scheme for the interiors. Yes, the beige color scheme works well with a lot of cars…however Maruti should mix up the color schemes to add some variety to the cabin. Look closely and you will be happy to notice a new look dashboard design, central console, steering column and instrument cluster. There is a large strip of wood across the length of the dashboard. This adds character and a premium feel to the car. The AC vents are now merged with a black panel with chrome lines running across (only available in the top end variant). This is a neat bit of design adding flair to the car interior. The touchscreen is now a floating unit at the top of the central console. The Ertiga gets a new steering wheel – the unit also does duty on the new Maruti Suzuki Swift as well. On the Ertiga it comes in beige along with wooden inserts at the base. There is good amount of space, legroom at the rear. It is easy for 3 adults to sit comfortably at the backseat even on long drives. The Ertiga offers passengers practical flexibility the added 3^rd row of seats. Getting into the 3^rd row is very easy. Seating 2 adults is not too bad; however, this space is ideally suited for children. In case you are moving large equipment, luggage then the Ertiga has you covered, the seats can be split in a 60:40 combination. Being an MPV, the Ertiga does have considerable body roll, given its style and stance the Ertiga is not a car you would enjoy driving in a spirited manner. The Ertiga is best driven in a calm, manner ideally at part throttle. The Ertiga is powered by 2 engine options – a 1.5 L petrol (this engine also does duty on the facelifted Ciaz) producing 105 bhp of power, this petrol engine is assisted by a mild hybrid system of 2 electric motors providing efficiency and power whilst driving. The Ertiga petrol also gets an automatic transmission variant. The Fiat-sourced all familiar 1.3 L diesel engine powers the Ertiga diesel. This engine though a proven performer has now aged and become outdated. It would have been great if Maruti could have provided a new, updated diesel engine option. A negative point with respect to the diesel engine is the loud engine noise even at idle, when you push the car it literally roars! Competitors have raised the bar when it comes to cabin insulation and NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) levels of cars with diesel engines. A diesel auto variant would have been the cherry on the icing…however Maruti Suzuki has not given any further information on the same.

It is great to see that Maruti has carried on the strengths of the first generation Ertiga and effectively integrated to the latest generation. The new Ertiga will compete with cars the likes of Mahindra Marazzo, Honda Mobilio amongst others. Being a very strong package, refreshed design & styling, a trusted track record shall ensure that the Ertiga performs steadily in the market. The starting price point of Rs.7.44 Lakh only adds more brownie points in favor of the Ertiga. We look forward to a good market performance for the new Ertiga…let us know what you think! 

Mahindra Marazzo - Premium, Value For Money, 'Family' MPV

Mahindra Motors has launched its first premium MPV – the Mahindra Marazzo for the Indian market. The launch of the Marazzo is important for Mahindra as it expands its model range into the lucrative Indian MPV segment. An all-new car launch from Mahindra was a long time due and the brand hopes that the Marazzo will do justice to expectations. The word ‘Marazzo’ which means shark is derived from the Basque region of Spain. The growth of the Indian MPV segment can be credited to the undisputed success of the much-loved Toyota Innova. The Toyota Innova was introduced to the Indian market at a time when there was a need for a practical people mover and an alternative to the traditional SUVs. The Innova remained the undisputed king of the Indian MPV segment for many years. Toyota decided to end production of the Innova a few years ago. Toyota strategically decided to introduce the Innova Crysta as a more expensive and premium MPV for those who would want to travel in comfort and luxury, by doing this they have created a niche market. Since the original Innova was not on sale anymore MPV’s such as the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Honda Mobilio has been very popular in the segment, with the Ertiga leading the way. The new, refreshed Maruti Ertiga on its way to the Indian roads soon, how does the newbie – Mahindra Marazzo stack up against the competition? Read on to see what we think about it…

  The design of the Marazzo is true to its name taking inspiration from the shark. With an aggressive front bumper, sharp and angular headlamps the Marazzo has a good road presence and bags a modern appeal too. There are well-designed character lines running the side length of the car body, hence giving the Marazzo a sophisticated design. The Marazzo sports rear LED tail lamps with arrow-like inserts, this is in tune with the overall sharp design of the car. The design of the Marazzo comes as an evolution from the traditional, boxy car designs we have been accustomed to with Mahindra cars. The Marazzo is the first Mahindra car to be designed at the Mahindra North American Technical Centre in the USA. It is safe to say that the Marazzo is by far the best designed Mahindra yet.

   Enough about the exterior let us move inside…as soon as you step into the Marazzo, you are might get confused and ask yourself – is this a Mahindra car? The Marazzo is unlike any other Mahindra car that we have been used to seeing - lots of knobs, buttons on the dashboard; a traditional dashboard layout, hard quality plastics etc. the interiors on the Marazzo are like a breath of fresh air! You will certainly have a smile on your face and a sense of appreciation for Mahindra designers who have done a very good job at designing the interiors of the car. Every element of the interiors is a step up from Mahindra cars of the previous generation. The dashboard sees a good combination of texture and materials giving it a premium feel. The combination of black and beige color schemes works smartly making the cabin airier. There is a nice instrument cluster with a digital screen having bold and crisp colors displaying trip information with ease. Taking center stage at the dashboard is a new 7-inch infotainment system which comes with Android Auto, Apple Car Play should follow suit soon. You will certainly like the seating position at the driver’s seat – a high seating position with very good outside visibility makes driving seamless. Moving to the back seat, you will be delighted to see the 2 individual seats or 2 captain seats as they are more popularly known. This seat configuration was made popular by the Toyota Innova. The backseats on the Marazzo offer good space and legroom and is a comfortable place to be overall. The Marazzo comes with the third row of seats as well…this is quite handy when traveling with children, however, there is decent space for an adult. Tall passengers might not be the most comfortable in the third row. For any car being sold in India, it is crucial that they are equipped to take on the sweltering Indian heat. The Marazzo has an interesting solution – vertical roof-mounted rear AC vents. MPV’s are long cars…owing to this a single AC unit in the front of the car does not do the trick. Hence, car manufacturers install horizontal AC vents just above the driver and co-passenger seats. The AC vents in the Marazzo run vertically i.e. the length of the car. This allows for better circulation of the AC system in the car…keeping passengers cool and comfortable throughout. No car is perfect…well unless it is a Rolls Royce of course! The Marazzo has its share of oddities for starters the handbrake lever is quite cool looking, but not the most practical, user-friendly to use. The rear door bins could have been designed more practically. The USB ports at the front of the car are in an awkward position, hence accessing them is a little tricky. Mahindra understands that the Marazzo will cater largely to the urban family – to boost storage and practicality an 8-seat configuration car with a 60:40 seat spilt ratio will also be made available.

   The Marazzo is powered by a 1.5 L four-cylinder diesel engine producing a max power output of 121 bhp. This engine belongs to the mFalcon engine series which also does duty on the Mahindra KUV. Engine refinement nowadays has become very important to car manufacturers. Car manufacturers are taking a lot of effort to ensure that their cars have very high levels of engine and cabin refinement. The Marazzo scores well on this front. There is an astonishingly low level of refinement considering this is a diesel car, engine refinement levels both at idle and on the move are quite impressive. It only when you push closer to the redline is when the engine becomes audible. Mahindra cars tend to have issues with the clutch, quite a few users have reported the clutch to be heavy and springy. Mahindra has taken this feedback and delivered a very well-engineered, easy to use clutch that is light to operate. The first impression you get of the Marazzo while on the move is the responsiveness of this engine from the go! Though the Marazzo has a wide range of torque on hand, good linear power delivery…you will realize that this is a car best driven in an easy manner. You can expect a mileage of about 12 kmpl in the city (under realistic, bumper to bumper traffic conditions) and approx. 16-17 kmpl while on the highway. The Marazzo comes equipped with cruise control, hence providing the driver comfort while driving a long distance and delivering good fuel economy. The Marazzo trumps all the Mahindra cars before it in the ride and handling department. It is probably the best Mahindra car with respect to driving dynamics. The steering on the Marazzo is a very good unit, offering good off-center feedback, light to use and becomes a little heavy when at high speeds. The Marazzo uses a ladder on frame body, hence you will find it slightly bouncy and experience some body roll. Overall the ride is decent and will keep the passengers relatively comfortable save for some sections of broken roads and deep potholes.

  Probably one of the biggest compliments the Marazzo could receive is that it does not look or feel like a Mahindra though it is one! This is an awesome thing the way we see it, it gives the market a sense of excitement as the future range of Mahindra seems to be moving towards a positive and progressive direction. Yes, the Marazzo is a car which has a lot of things going for it – exciting design, practicality, upmarket feel, value for money etc. many critics feel it is a direct competitor to the mighty Innova Crysta – but we are of the opinion it is not completely there yet. However, priced at 9.99 lakh onwards the Marazzo has the power to attract customers from both ends of the segment. The Indian customers particularly the youth, their families are transitioning towards larger cars that add good value for money. The Mahindra Marazzo and the upcoming Maruti Suzuki Ertiga are cars which will attract many of such families. It will be very exciting to see how they perform in the market. What are your thoughts on the Marazzo? We look forward to reading them…

What Does Kia Have In Store For The Indian Car Buyer?

India is one of the hottest and fastest emerging global car markets in the world today. What makes the Indian market so exciting and attractive for car manufacturers to come and set up shop here are – a large pool of young car buyers, an influx of technology which has created awareness amongst the youth and new age of Indian car buyers towards buying better quality cars, higher disposable income and increase in spending power on cars. With the advantage of a very young population, India has an edge over other emerging markets. Indian car buyers have been fortunate to have a wide array of cars from brands across the world to choose from. Top brands in the automobile world are reaping the rewards from the Indian market. With constant growth, demand, and opportunity the Indian market offers car manufacturers…there is always room for new entrants. The latest brand to enter the Indian market is South Korean car giant Kia. The Hyundai owned brand is expected to begin its Indian operations in 2019, with its first car slated for launch in 2019 Diwali. Want to find out what Kia has in store for the Indian car buyer? Read on to find out more!

  The origins of Kia can be traced to the Kyungsung Precision Industry, which made bicycle parts in Korea. They gradually went on to make Korea’s first bicycle – the Samchully. Kia ventured into the manufacturing of vehicles such as cars, bikes, trucks etc. In 1997, Kia fell victim to the financial crisis that had gripped Asian markets. Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai saw this opportunity and swooped in to acquire a 51% stake in Kia. Korea’s second largest car manufacturer Kia is world renowned for their stylish, innovative design. The Indian market has an abundance of cars, Kia hopes their design will play a key role in determining the brand’s success in India. Apart from having a top-notch design, Kia cars are very youth-oriented and have a sporty flair. This is a very good thing as far as India is concerned. Kia realizes the same and wants to have a long-term presence in the Indian market, with plans to be among the top 5 manufacturers in the country within the next 3 years. Plans are ambitious, but this ambition is very good for Indian consumers. In return, this means there will be an influx of even more competitive products in the market. The entry of Kia will certainly make competitors up their game – increasing the quality of cars sold and better value for money. Back in February at the New Delhi Auto Expo 2018, we witnessed the Kia model range in all its might. At the Kia pavilion, the brand had displayed its entire global range of cars for the Indian public to view. This was very important for Kia as it gave India a feel of what to expect from the Korean car giant. For any brand entering a new market, understanding the market is very important. Kia will be aided in this process by its sister brand Hyundai. Hyundai has been in the Indian market for many years, consistently among the top performing brands in India. The Indian market is a very price sensitive one where customers are more concerned with the VFM (Value For Money) provided by the car rather than power output, technology, and other aspects. Hyundai has understood this and made this their strength in the Indian market, hence propelling them to be one of the most successful and loved brands in the car brands in the country. Both Hyundai and Kia share common platforms and most components, parts etc. across their model ranges. This will prove cost-effective for Kia in terms of manufacturing, allowing Kia to reduce the cost of production and offer a highly competitive price for sale in the market. One might ask how are Kia and Hyundai positioned differently considering the similarity the brands have? Hyundai, on the one hand, is a modern car brand offering a range of affordable cars for the masses with an emphasis on design, features, technology etc. On the other hand, Kia is a brand that brings premium cars at an affordable price catering to daily usage. Kia prides itself on innovative design, styling, premium, feature, technology loaded cars. Cars such as the Kia Rio, Picanto are very similar to their Hyundai counterparts – the Grand i10, Elite i20. However, when compared side by side…the differences can be seen in styling, design. Kia plans on bringing various models to the Indian market, with the Rio, Sportage, Picanto most likely to make the market along with the SP concept SUV. The SP concept is a car that has been designed especially for Indian conditions. Many of the enthusiasts would love to see the Kia Stinger on our roads, but we don’t expect Kia to bring the Stinger anytime soon.

  Indians don’t know much about brand Kia, that remains to be an area of concern for the Korean car giant. The top brass of Kia is confident brand building exercises will help strengthen them. Kia has also started dealer roadshows and meets to set up their sales network and familiarize prospective dealers in understanding the Kia way. In a time when the Indian car buyers are moving towards a youthful, tech-laden and premium product, the arrival of Kia will certainly spice things up in the market. How Kia will perform in the Indian arena remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure the Indian car buyer is in for very exciting times ahead! 

Can The Volvo XC40 Catch The Eye Of Young Indian Premium SUV Buyers?

India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world today. Our country has the youngest population in the world. The Indian automobile industry has emerged as one of the fastest growing and most dynamic in the world today - high economic growth and more youth buyers in the market have attributed to this growth. With an increase in disposable income young car buyers have pushed the demand for entry-level premium and luxury cars sky high! German heavyweights Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi have been enjoying a large slice of the market since a long time - Mercedes-Benz leads the trio. Volvo, the Swedish car giant has not been around in the Indian market for long, when compared to the competition; but is making quite a big impression with its exciting product line up. Volvo products are renowned for safety, world-class design, premium interiors and practical interiors, cutting-edge technology etc. This is evident in the brand’s line up for India – the Volvo XC90, S90, S60, XC60, V90, V40. The newly launched Volvo XC40 SUV is the latest car to join this exciting lineup. The addition of the XC40 ensures the hotly contested entry-level premium SUV segment has just gotten more exciting!

  The most popular cars in the entry-level premium SUV segment are the Audi Q3, Mercedes Benz GLA, BMW X1. The cars are very popular in the country with young premium buyers looking to get their first premium/luxury car. The Volvo XC40 brings with it a lot of excitement and promise for the Swedish brand as it looks towards creating a foothold in the Indian market. The Q3, GLA and X1 sport a design which is based on their larger siblings hence making them look a lot like their mini-versions (for e.g. the Audi Q3 looks like a mini-Q7), as car manufacturers do tend to maintain a common design language amongst their model lineups. The Volvo XC40 disrupts this trend. The XC40 is manufactured on Volvo’s new platform – Compact Modular Architecture (CMA), with clever engineering and innovative design the team at Volvo have done a spectacular job of making the XC40 standout by giving it a unique identity. You will surely not mistake this for a smaller version of the Volvo XC90 flagship. The design of the XC40 is more angular than its competitors. The tall and muscular stance of the car gives it good road presence. The XC40 has good dimensions – not too big nor too small, hence making it perfect for the urban environment. Youthful and new-age are two words that describe the Volvo XC40 very well. The distinctive Volvo Thor-inspired front DRL’s do duty on the XC40 as well. Moving inside the XC40 you notice the simplicity and elegance the very high-quality premium interiors have to offer. The leather-wrapped steering wheel feels very nice to hold and the seats are ever so comfortable even on long journeys. With a high seating position, there is good visibility all around. Though a luxury car the Volvo XC40 is very practical as well, giving it an edge over its competitors. The large storage bins in the door can easily store a small laptop or an iPad, hold a 1 L water bottle too. There are a lot of storage holds and cubby holds for keeping your nick nacks. There is a place to wirelessly charge your smartphone as well under the central console. The XC40 gets a large 9-inch touchscreen for controlling everything from air-conditioning to infotainment, navigation. The AC vents are vertical rather than the conventional horizontal, giving the interiors a sharp look. The overall black interiors have been complemented well with the orange colored carpets adding a vibrant flair. The second row of seats are spacious and comfortable; however, seating 3 adults might be a squeeze. Car buyers today are seeking all the bells and whistles with respect to features and technology. You should know that Volvo has you covered on that front with a laundry list of features and technology - Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Adaptive Cruise Control, digital instrument cluster, panoramic sunroof, electric tailgate, heat ventilated seats and an amazing Harman Kardon sound system to name a few. A very interesting feature is the park-in park-out function, this allows the XC40 to park into or out of a parking spot on its own; certainly, one feature Indians would enjoy. How can a Volvo review be written without mentioning the safety features it provides? Volvo prides itself to be one of the pioneers of automotive safety…the XC40 comes loaded with safety kit including radar-based safety technology such as – adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot assist, emergency braking, pilot assist (semi-autonomous driving), multiple airbags (both for passengers and driver), hill descent control, ESP, traction control. The XC40 rides well and maintains good driving composure overall. The suspension is tuned a bit firm, but you would notice this at lower speeds; once you pick up the pace the XC40 gobbles up potholes and bad patches well. The car maintains good straight-line stability and is a good companion to have on highways. Do keep in mind that this is a heavy SUV, hence you will feel some body roll around corners or winding sections of road. Powering the XC40 is a 190 bhp diesel engine which gives energetic and lively power delivery having a very good mid-range. The turbo lag is minimal. Currently, there is only a diesel engine option available for the Indian market, we do expect Volvo to be bringing in the petrol engine option soon.

  Over the years the German trio of BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz have been the go-to luxury car brands for Indian buyers looking out for a premium/luxury car. Volvo with their XC40 has just given an awesome alternative to consider. As Volvo seeks to disrupt the Indian luxury car market, the XC40 has all the ingredients to be a volume getter for the Swedish brand in India. As of now, Volvo has only launched the R-Design spec variant for India at a price of Rs.39.90 lakh. Prices are expected to decrease once local assembly begins. All brands today are looking at a car which can catch the eye of the buyers and become a huge success – Volvo might have just found theirs in the XC40. We are very excited to see how this car performs in the Indian market….Are you?

Tata Nexon : India's Best Urban Compact SUV

Tata Motors – the Tata group’s vehicle (passenger & commercial) manufacturing arm has been an important part of their Indian business ventures. Tata Motors created India’s first indigenously developed car – the Tata Indica in 1998. The Indica later went on to become one of the best-selling cars in India. Popular market movers from the Tata stable were the Tata Safari, Tata Sumo amongst others. All car brands go through a phase where the offerings they give to the customer do not quite click in the market. Tata Motors faced a similar phase from the mid-2000’s until 2013. The launch of the Tata Bolt & Zest in 2013, gave a new sense of direction for the brand and its future range of cars. The Bolt & Zest sent a message to the Indian and International car industry…Tata as a brand had begun the transition towards a more future-inspired, young, tech-savvy, quality driven and most importantly value for money seeking customer. The Tata Nexon compact SUV is a perfect example of new age Tata cars. Let us find out what makes the Tata Nexon one of the most successful and highest selling Tata cars of recent times.

Product development, especially for cars, is a time and research-driven process. Developing a new car from scratch is a great time for car manufacturers to implement all their learning and feedback from customers, hence perfecting their next product for the market. The success of the Tata Nexon is a great example of successful product development and understanding the need of the market, customer. Right from launch the Tata Nexon had a lot going for it – the increase in demand for a compact urban SUV, the success of the Tata Tiago and other products, appreciation of the new look Tata brand. With the urban car buyer becoming younger, having more disposable income, more tech oriented…the Nexon was a car destined for success! When was the last time you saw a Tata car turning heads on the road? That's exactly the impact the Nexon has had on the market. With its futuristic design the Nexon is unlike anything on the Indian roads, especially in the compact SUV segment. Tata Motors have learnt and used the design elements of Jaguar Land Rover while developing the Nexon. With its large nose, blister-like headlamps, a well-integrated roofline the Nexon is arguably the best-designed car we have seen from Tata. The large angular chrome strip adds character to the car while the flared wheel arches, plastic cladding gives it the ruggedness of an SUV. The high ground clearance ensures the Nexon can take on even the harshest of Indian road conditions. It should be noted that the Nexon is the first crossover from Tata Motors, and they have pulled it off very well! When you step into the Nexon a spacious, airy and modern cabin welcomes you. If you have seen the interiors of recent Tata cars (Tiago, Tigor etc.) the Nexon will be familiar territory for you. There are quite a few components shared with other Tata products – the instrument panel and the steering, for example are taken from the Tiago/Tigor. Current generation Tata cars have seen a great improvement in cabin build quality and materials used. The Nexon does not disappoint in this department; having an impressive cabin with good materials and build quality. The Nexon gets a floating infotainment touch-screen – like the Ford Ecosport. This allows the driver to get less distracted while searching for information, navigation, changing music etc. The high ground clearance of the Nexon gives the driver a good high seating position, hence inspiring confidence while driving. The practical layout of the cabin gives good visibility all-round, making driving a breeze. Tata have loaded the Nexon with a lot of tech! You will find most of the essentials in the car, but it does miss out on satellite navigation. The infotainment system does support Android Auto, all you need to do is plug in your mobile phone (Android) into the car’s USB port – Android Auto allows you to use maps, read messages, make calls, play music etc. One of the main highlights of the entertainment package in the Nexon is the awesome 6-speaker Harman music system. The sound quality is spectacular! Makes you think you are sitting in a car segments above! The Nexon is a practical place to be with a lot of cubby holes, storage bins etc. The glovebox is decently sized and is cooled as well. Before we forget, Tata seem to have taken a leaf out of the Rolls-Royce book – giving the Nexon an umbrella holder in the door. When you enter the backseat of the Nexon you notice there is ample legroom, and the headroom is not compromised on despite the sloping roofline design of the car. The windows of the Nexon are higher in comparison to competitors – the Ford Ecosport, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza. However, it does not make you feel hemmed in. Be rest assured the Nexon has a wide enough and larger enough bench for passengers to sit comfortably even on long journeys. The segment-first rear AC vents are available in the Nexon, hence keeping the passengers at the rear cool and comfortable.

The Nexon performs well in the ride and handling department. The strong and well-balanced suspension aided with high profile tires gives the Nexon a very good ride, Tata have done a great job in making the Nexon rugged enough to take on the worst of our roads, at the same time allowing for a comfortable ride throughout. The suspension of the Nexon is slightly firm, so you might just get knocked around a little. The Nexon is not exactly a driver’s car or one am enthusiast would enjoy driving. The steering wheel of the Nexon is a let down as it is not very engaging and always leaves the driver wanting more feedback from the steering. The Nexon is powered by a 1.5 L turbocharged diesel engine producing a healthy 110bhp of max power, and a 1.2 L petrol engine producing similar max power. Both engines are mated to manual and AMT (automatic) gearboxes. The pick of the gearboxes is the AMT. Tata’s AMT gearbox is one of the best in the market, is much better than competitors with respect to responsiveness and drivability. The combination of an AMT with the petrol or diesel engines is a real boon for customers, especially those who are seeking a compact urban car for the daily commute in heavy traffic conditions. The convenience of an AMT all hassle-free free driving and better fuel economy. There are 3 driving modes available in the Nexon – City, Eco, Sport. The throttle inputs differ basis the mode you are driving. When you are in the mood for a spirited drive, be sure to use the sport mode as it will allow you more excess to engine power.

What makes the Nexon very practical and well suited to our urban Indian commute is the compact SUV design which eases the parking hassle, navigating traffic is easy as well. The Nexon is a car which is loaded with tech and features at a very attractive price point. The engine and gearbox combinations are very well engineered and make living with this car very easy both for the driver and his pocket. The Nexon’s closest rivals the Vitara Brezza and the Ecosport have gone down the pecking order with respect to sales and consumer preference. The demand for the Nexon is huge! The long waiting times (reports of waiting going up to 3-4 months as well) are evidence to this. The Nexon has been a true gamechanger to Tata’s fortunes in the Indian market. This gives us a lot more excitement for upcoming Tata cars soon. So, if you are an urban car buyer looking for a compact SUV – the Nexon is the car for you! 

2018 Mahindra XUV 500 or Jeep Compass : Which SUV Is Perfect For You?

The past few months have been very exciting for Mahindra. First, the all new Mahindra flagship XUV 700 was unveiled and showcased at the New Delhi Auto Expo. The XUV 700 will be replacing the SsangYong Rexton SUV. Then Mahindra owned iconic automobile design house Pininfarina announced that it will venture into manufacturing electric vehicles. Just a few weeks ago, Mahindra launched the 2018 XUV 500 SUV. Hence, giving one of India’s most popular SUV’s a much-needed mid-cycle/mid-life facelift. India has always been an SUV loving country, even more so in recent times.  The demand for SUV’s in India is at its peak! One of the newest entrants to the Indian SUV market – Jeep is amongst the top performing brands, reaping rewards with a high demand for the beloved Jeep Compass. Given the fact that one of India’s most popular SUV – the Mahindra XUV 500 has just received a facelift, the stage is set for a very interesting battle in the mid-sized SUV segment. Can the mighty XUV 500 put an end to Jeep Compass’ party? Or does the Compass still have an upper hand? We find out…

What’s on offer?

The Mahindra XUV 500 and the Jeep Compass are 2 unique vehicles built with a completely different philosophy which reflects the brand heritage and ideology of both car manufacturers – Mahindra from India and Jeep from the USA. Mahindra has been a household brand in the Indian ecosystem, across the various sectors it has a presence in including automobiles. A brand famed for quality, competitive pricing and value for money in all the products they offer. The Mahindra XUV 500 is a true Mahindra product in all its right! A premium entry-level mid-sized SUV, feature loaded, competitive priced and a value for money product. Jeep, on the other hand, is one of the world’s top and most respected SUV brands. The Jeep brand has been long associated with adventure and freedom, a keen companion for the adventurist in you offering an unmatched all-terrain capability to take you anywhere, wherever you wish to go. When Jeep entered India a couple of years ago it positioned itself as a premium brand, however, their cars – the Jeep Wrangler and the Jeep Grand Cherokee didn’t quite click in the market due to a very high price. As the Jeep Compass is now locally manufactured in India, the Indian market has appreciated a premium SUV from a world-class manufacturer. The Compass brings the Jeep DNA with an attractive price and at the same time offers the Indian customer a different perspective of SUV. With great engine options, awesome driving dynamics, superior build quality and top-notch engineering the Jeep Compass is a very exciting proposition.

Who looks better on the outside?

The Mahindra XUV 500 has been around for some time now. The Mahindra flagship is a common sight on our roads in cities across the country. Though this is the first major update the XUV 500 has received in 3 years, it must be noted that the general design, dimensions of the car remain unchanged. Mahindra has given the 2018 XUV 500 an updated look rather than a radical makeover. The new changes include a new grille studded with chrome, newly designed wrap-around tail lamps. The XUV 500 gets new diamond cut alloy wheels with 18 & 17-inch options. The Jeep Compass, on the other hand, looks like a smaller version of the Jeep flagship – Grand Cherokee. This is an awesome thing for the Indian car buyer. Yes, we have seen cars with a similar design, dimensions to the Compass but none look as imposing, smart and sophisticated like the Jeep. The Compass is a smaller than the larger XUV but does not compromise on its SUV DNA, road presence. The trademark 7-slat Jeep grille ensures the car in front of you knows a legend is trailing behind. The cladded wheel arches and high ground clearance makes sure the Jeep will take you across all terrains, wherever you want to go! There is a lot of attention to detail on the Jeep Compass, this is evident on the front bumper, headlamps and tail light sections.

What about the interiors?

The XUV 500 can seat 7 passengers (third-row of seats included) whereas the Jeep Compass can seat 5 – the added benefit of the third-row seats gives the XUV 500 the edge over the Compass with respect to practicality and space. When you enter the cabin of the XUV you are welcomed by a premium, practical cabin. If you have driven or travelled in a Mahindra car before the interiors will seem a premium upgrade. The cabin of the new 2018 XUV 500 is more premium with respect to the outgoing model. The addition of soft-touch materials, cross-stitched tan leather seats, a great mixture of chrome and black inserts etc. make the car look more premium/upmarket. The Jeep, on the other hand, welcomes you with wide open doors! Large and heavy doors ensure the passengers inside are safe and secured. On entering the Compass, you certainly won’t complain about the large and supportive seats. A good seating position ensures good all-around visibility. The cabin interiors of the Compass give you a feeling of being in a car 2 segments above. The large white seats with red stitching (only in the top end variant), the soft-touch materials, a metal finish gear lever knob, Jeep embossed seats give the car a premium flair. The piano black finish on the central console & touch-screen is a let down though, as this accumulates dust and fingerprints rather quickly. The seats at the back can seat 3 adults easily. The back seat has a good amount of headroom and knee room making it a great place to be for long journeys.

Who has the better ride?

Keeping India’s infamous road conditions in mind car manufacturers in the Indian industry both local or foreign, established or new entrants must ensure their cars for the Indian market have a very good suspension capable of taking on the worst our roads can throw at them. New entrant Jeep has done exactly this with the Compass. With a high ground clearance, rugged body stance and a well-engineered suspension which uses Frequency Selective Damping the Compass just glides over all rough edges, broken patches, potholes etc. The ride of the Compass is tuned a little on the stiffer side, so you might just get tossed around slightly. However, the Compass makes up for this by offering a superb ride on all surfaces even at high speeds. The Compass is a car which an enthusiast would love to drive offering - great stability, great confidence while cornering, very responsive, great feedback given by steering. The car is agile and goes exactly where you want it to. The chunky steering is the cherry on the icing. The XUV 500 has a strong and able suspension as well. With Mahindra being experts of the Indian SUV market, they know exactly how to make a car for our Indian roads – the same is evident in the 2018 XUV 500. The suspension when compared to the Jeep tends to crash a little over the rougher sections of road. In our opinion, the Compass has a better ride quality over the XUV 500. Being a larger and longer car than the Compass the XUV 500 has more body roll. However, you still feel safe and secured in the car always. The steering of the XUV 500 is engaging to say the least but, not as much as the Compass. The XUV 500 is a good companion to have on the highways, offering good stability and inspiring confidence with good driving manners.

Engine and Performance

Both the Mahindra XUV 500 and Jeep Compass come with petrol and diesel engine options. The 2018 XUV 500 gets a retuned version of Mahindra’s 2.2 L mHawk turbocharged diesel engine which now produces 155 bhp of max power. For those looking out for a petrol XUV a 2.2 L turbocharged petrol engine making 140 bhp of max power is available. Both engines are mated to automatic and manual gearboxes. The Jeep Compass is powered by a Fiat-sourced 1.4 L MultiAir turbocharged petrol engine making around 140 bhp of max power. The petrol engine is mated to a manual and automatic gearbox. For the diesel heads, Jeep has a Fiat-sourced 2.0 L MultiJet turbocharged diesel engine producing max power of 171 bhp. This engine is only mated to a manual gearbox. Jeep will be launching an automatic variant of the diesel engine as the Jeep Compass Trailhawk. Prices for the Trailhawk are expected to be around the Rs.30 Lakh mark. However, the Compass has class-leading figures with respect to engine power. You can expect a combined (city & highway) fuel economy of around 14 kmpl for the XUV 500 and 15 kmpl for the Jeep Compass.

Features & Tech

Both the XUV 500 and Jeep Compass come loaded with features and updated technology. The essentials of course - Touchscreen infotainment systems, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, Aux input, USB connectivity etc. Features such as rain sensing wipers, cruise control, sunroof etc. are not available in the Jeep Compass this is something of a let down for customers having paid a higher price than the XUV 500. The XUV 500 on the other hand scores top marks in terms of features, tech and overall value for money. The list of features on the new 2018 XUV 500 is endless! Rain-sensing wipers, a beautiful Arkamys sound system, sunroof, watch app to control infotainment system, electrically adjustable driver seat is some of the most unique features on the new XUV 500. In comparison to the Jeep Compass which starts at Rs.3 lakh (approx.) more than the XUV 500, Mahindra has really created a product the customers will seek more value from.

Pricing

Taking everyone by surprise the 2018 XUV 500 when launched was cheaper than the previous model. This is a rarity in today’s automobile market and a very commendable job by the folks at Mahindra. The 2018 Mahindra XUV 500 begins at Rs.12.32 Lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai) and goes up to Rs.18.98 Lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai) for the top end variant. The Jeep Compass, on the other hand, starts at Rs.15.26 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai) and goes all the way to Rs.21.88 lakh for the 4X4 top end variant.

Both the XUV 500 and Compass are great packages for the customer offering a different sense of value in their respective ways. It shall be very interesting to see how these 2 cars do battle and win the hearts of the customers. Let us know which car you like more!

The Cullinan

The Rolls-Royce brand has long been associated with bespoke luxury and automotive excellence. Rolls-Royce is much more than a brand…it is a benchmark of luxury and success. Ever since 1907, Rolls-Royce has been consistently producing ‘the best car in the world’. It takes a great deal of excellence to live up to such a legacy. Rolls-Royce achieves this by maintaining a great balance between tradition, innovation and luxury. The global demand for luxury SUV’s is increasing at a breakneck pace, especially in the emerging markets. Car manufacturers globally are hopping on the bandwagon of the ultra-luxury SUV with Bentley leading the charge. A few days ago, Rolls-Royce unveiled the Cullinan, their first SUV. You can now officially take the highest levels of luxury everywhere!

   The Cullinan is built on the same platform as the Rolls-Royce Phantom – The Architecture of Luxury. This platform gives the Cullinan an incredible balance of luxury and ability to conquer all terrains. The exterior of the Cullinan is unmistakably Rolls-Royce. The distinct Pantheon inspired Rolls-Royce grille ensures the Cullinan is noticed in your side view mirror from a distance. The rectangular housing for the front headlamps is another piece of classic Rolls design. The Cullinan is a large car, its massive road presence will be a sight that won’t go unnoticed. Also, the Cullinan is bigger than the Bentley Bentayga it’s closest rival. The character lines and big shoulders make the Cullinan ooze class! The tail light design is trademark Rolls as well. Oh…and before we forget the Spirit of Ecstasy proudly takes her place at the top of the grille. As soon as you step in you are welcomed by the suicide doors for the rear passengers. This is a feature that has been a distinct part of Rolls-Royce tradition for generations. Stepping inside, you notice a lot of elements taken from the Rolls-Royce Phantom. This is not a bad thing at all! What better than having the same cabin as the best car in the world?! There are new elements as well – the Cullinan has a touchscreen infotainment, a first for Rolls-Royce. There is a knob which sits at the base of the control panel, aiding the driver to select the various drive modes. There is a Spirit of Ecstasy on top of this knob…just in case you are lost in the lap of luxury. The Cullinan comes in 2 seat configurations – in its standard form you get a regular bench rear seat layout, capable of seating 3 adults. Rolls-Royce understands that many of its customers will want the highest levels of luxury and personalization. Hence, Rolls has also offered to put 2 huge seats (RR likes to call them thrones) – ensuring the passengers in the backseat enjoy a luxurious experience. This layout allows for only 2 passengers in the rear seats. When you are paying for a Rolls-Royce, you do pay for luxury but along with it comes privacy as well. The Cullinan respects your privacy – there are 2 glass dividers where separate the cabin into 3 different sections, hence effectively isolating the passengers from the world outside. Another awesome feature on the Cullinan is that Rolls has made a seating arrangement for 2 persons, this folds out from the tailgate so that you can enjoy your weekend picnic. The popular Rolls-Royce ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ which made the Phantom untouchable with respect to riding quality is retained in the Cullinan. This has been re-engineered to cater to the needs of all-terrain ability. The air suspension on the Cullinan will ensure that you get not only the best car ride ever, but also that you can effectively take your Cullinan everywhere. There is an ‘Everywhere’ button, this is when you are in the mood to go off-road. By the simple press of this button, the onboard computers, electronics of the Cullinan in correspondence with the shock absorbers electronically tune the suspension for various terrain duties – snow, mud, gravel, sand, rocks…the Cullinan can capably take them all on. Powering the Cullinan is a massive 6.75 L V12 twin-turbo petrol engine producing a max output of 563 bhp. The Cullinan comes equipped with a whole host of safety features – collision warning, lane-departure warning, cross-traffic assist, thermal imaging driving aids for pedestrians and animals etc.

  The Cullinan is named after the largest rough-cut diamond to be discovered. A rightful name for an uber-luxurious SUV part of the most luxurious car line up in the industry. Rolls-Royce has said that the Cullinan would be positioned above the Ghost but below the Phantom. With prices expected to be around the Rs.5.5 crore mark and deliveries to commence in 2019…we just can’t wait to see the Cullinan on Indian roads! 

Mahindra Owned Pininfarina Ventures Into Electric Vehicles

Iconic car designer Pininfarina to now manufacture electric vehicles! The Mahindra owned design firm has launched its EV brand Automobili Pininfarina with the aim to manufacture luxury, high performance and high technology electric vehicles. The Italian design firm has been pioneering car design over the past 88 years has produced numerous iconic cars. The Mahindra Group acquired Pininfarina in 2015 via its IT company – Tech Mahindra. The story of Automobili Pininfarina is one of fulfilment. Batista Pininfarina, the famous Italian car designer had always dreamed of designing, engineering and manufacturing a car with the Pininfarina badge. Mahindra has been wanting a slice of the global EV market for quite a few years now. The creation of a start-up manufacturing EVs under the Pininfarina brand fulfils the dream for both parties.

   Automobili Pininfarina will be getting its first car to market by 2020. All cars which would be manufactured by Automobili Pininfarina will be designed and styled by Pininfarina, proudly sporting the Pininfarina badge. Croatian EV manufacturer Rimac has been roped in to deliver engines and powertrains for the Pininfarina cars. Rimac specializes in manufacturing electric high-performance cars. The Concept One, Rimac’s first car was the fastest production EV when launched. Rimac also works closely with Koenigsegg and Aston Martin-Red Bull racing team for developing electric battery and other powertrain components. The first car to be manufactured by Automobili Pininfarina would be a Bugatti Chiron rivalling hypercar. Though no official announcements have been made, reports suggest that the new car can reach 0-100 kmph in 2 seconds and 0-200 kmph in 12 seconds. There will be 3 other cars in the range including a Lamborghini Urus rival EV SUV. The cars sold by the new brand would be limited to a certain number of units – approx. 100 units. All cars sold by the brand will be equipped with autonomous driving technology. Pininfarina Automobili has revealed that their first car, slated to launch in 2020 would have a price tag of just under 2 million Euros (approx. INR 16 crores). Michael Perschke ex-Audi India head has been tasked with leading the new start-up. Mahindra can be rest assured of the new company being in good hands – Perschke was instrumental in making Audi overtake Mercedes & BMW in India.

   With the automobile world transitioning into alternative fuels and electric vehicles, Automobili Pininfarina adds a lot of excitement to the global EV industry. India’s largest SUV manufacturer has the vision and a proven track record to execute, hence in a very good position to make Automobili Pininfarina a very successful brand. With rivals the likes of Tesla, Nissan, BMW etc. Automobili Pininfarina is up against some stiff competition…the global EV market was always an exciting proposition, it just got more exciting! 

Jeep - Celebrating 75 Years Of Excellence

American car giant Jeep has had an illustrious history which has spanned 75 years. The SUV only manufacturer has been one of the most respected brands in the global automobile industry renowned for creating rugged, 4X4 cars more than capable of tackling any terrain effectively. Jacobus Spyker the Dutch company is credited with building the first 4X4 vehicle in 1902. However, it was Jeep who popularized the application of 4X4 cars in the real world capable of going anywhere. Jeep’s illustrious history began in 1941 during World War II. The US Army invited bids for light reconnaissance vehicle having 4X4 capability and weighing 1/4^th of a ton. Three US car companies submitted their bids – Bantam, Ford, Willys. This gave birth to the Willys Jeep – the Willys MB as it was popularly known at the time, quickly became the go-to car; in any terrain, combat area not only for the US Army but also the allied countries. The Willys MB was an innovation to battlefield mobility. Gone were the days when soldiers used horses, motorcycles with sidecars etc. to get from one place to another during combat situations. The versatility the MB offered was worth its weight in gold! Soldiers now had the capability to mount guns on the Jeep, convert their beloved Jeeps into ambulances amongst other applications. With the end of the war, Willys MB Jeep saw a transition from combat duty to civilian duty – this began a new and exciting era for Jeep.

   The Jeep CJ-5 was the first civilian Jeep for the masses. The CJ-5 sported a softer design, at the same time maintaining the rugged look, designed with comfort, strength, off-road capability in mind. The off-road prowess of Jeep drew a lot of crowd from the adventurists and those who would love off-roading. 1962, saw the introduction of the Jeep Wagoner – the first luxury 4X4 SUV. Launched 7 years before Land Rover introduced the Range Rover, the Jeep Wagoner was the first 4X4 luxury SUV. This made Jeep true pioneers of the 4X4 SUV. The Wagoner was an innovative car offering many industry-first features – the first 4X4 SUV to have an automatic transmission, power steering, air-conditioning, independent front suspension etc. In 1975, Jeep introduced the Cherokee – a full sized 4X4 SUV. It was essentially a 2-door variant of the popular Jeep Wagoner with a refreshed, sporty design, detailing making it appeal to the youth. The Cherokee was available in 2 configuration options; a 2-door and a 4-door. The second-generation Jeep Cherokee (Jeep Cherokee XJ) was introduced in 1984. The all-new Cherokee was a revelation! The new car was based on a completely new platform, it was built on a uni-body platform unlike the traditional ladder on frame design of its predecessor. The new Cherokee had shrunk in dimensions and had lost quite a bit of weight too. The compact designs made it more suited to the rapidly changing times of the urban metropolis. In 1987, Jeep introduced the Wrangler. The Wrangler draws inspiration from the original CJ Series sporting a similar design philosophy with modern design elements well integrated. The Wrangler has for many years been one of the most dependable off-road 4X4 vehicles around winning many accolades and setting many new records in the process. The Jeep Grand Cherokee was launched in 1993 as a replacement for the long-lived Wagoner. The Grand Cherokee was an industry benchmark and set new standards due to its well balanced on-road, off-road capabilities. Now equipped with a new wheelbase, the refinement levels of the Grand Cherokee were taken to the next level. The Jeep Commander introduced in 2006 was the first Jeep with a third row, capable of comfortably seating 7 passengers. 2006 also saw the introduction of a much smaller Jeep – the Compass. Though it was a crossover, it certainly looked more like a smaller SUV. The Compass is a front-wheel drive car, one of the first from Jeep along with the Patriot Compass comes along with 4X4 options as well. The growing demand for a compact urban SUV, especially in emerging markets, led to the creation of the Jeep Compass.

    Jeep finally entered India in 2016 with the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Jeep Wrangler. Though the market received the products well, the pricing strategy was not correct. Both the cars were very expensive and did not find many takers. In 2017, Jeep launched the Compass SUV for the Indian market. The smallest Jeep in India created quite a stir! With a very aggressive pricing, appealing design, rugged build and loaded to the brim with features the Compass soon became the best-selling cars for Jeep in India. As recently as last week, the Jeep Compass crossed sales figures of 19,000 units sold in India. With more products to come, we are quite certain the Jeep brand will continue their legacy of producing excellent 4X4 SUVs capable of taking you anywhere!

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe : The Hyundai SUV Comes In An All New Avatar

The recently concluded 2018 Geneva Motor Show was a spectacle of automotive design and technology at its peak. Historically the Geneva Motor Show has been one of the most important events in the global car industry during the calendar year. The Geneva Motor Show represents a great opportunity for automobile enthusiasts to come and witness the latest in cutting-edge technology, futuristic designs etc. car brands across the world have to offer. This year the Geneva Motor Show was dominated by concept cars and electric vehicles along with the newly launched or updated models of conventional cars. South Korean major Hyundai also followed suit with concept cars and electric vehicles, however, they had an ace up their sleeve…they revealed the new 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV.

   The Hyundai Santa Fe is Hyundai’s range-topping model in its India line-up and has been around for quite some time now. Hyundai launched the Santa Fe with sights set on the premium SUV segment pitted against the likes of the Ford Endeavor, Toyota Fortuner etc. Off late, due to poor sales figures and excessive competition from the segment leaders Hyundai discontinued the Santa Fe in the Indian market. The recently launched 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe is not your ordinary facelift, it is a complete makeover! The new Santa Fe comes with an all-new refreshed and practical avatar. For starters Hyundai has taken the wise decision to do away with the crossover design, making the new Santa Fe look more SUV. The front of the vehicle houses a huge new grille, flanked are beautiful DRLs which are a combination of LED lights and chrome strips. When you first look at the DRLs you wonder where are the headlights gone? Or has Hyundai created a new Audi inspired headlamp design? Well, we shall solve this mystery for you…the headlamps, turn signal indicators, fog lamps are now moved down to where the conventional fog lamps are present. Hyundai calls this new 2-tiered headlights design ‘Composite Light’. The exterior of the is dominated by bold character lines and sharp edges at the same time giving the Santa Fe a more muscular look, the Sonata-inspired tail lights do duty on the new Santa Fe and they look awesome! As you enter the cabin you are welcomed by a spacious and premium interior. The large seats get a better feel and finish, the use of premium upholstery is quite evident in the cabin. There is a refreshed central console that now gets a floating infotainment screen that controls the media, navigation etc. The instrument cluster now gets a more modern design which changes basis the driving modes. The most exciting thing about the interior from an India perspective is the fact that the Santa Fe will now be available with an optional third row as well. The new Santa Fe also gets a bunch of new features and tech too, such as – automatic emergency braking, blind spot detection systems, rear cross-traffic warning systems, a sensor to detect and warn the driver about occupants in the rear seat. Another nice touch is a system which protects the passengers by not allowing the doors to open in the event of traffic, pedestrians or even cyclists approaching the vehicle from behind…now that would be an awesome feature to have on Indian roads, wouldn’t it?

  The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe will be offered with 3 engine options – a 2.4 L petrol producing 183 bhp, 2.0 L turbocharged petrol engine producing 230 bhp and a 2.2 L diesel engine having a maximum power output of 188 bhp. Hyundai has yet to confirm its plans for introducing the new Santa Fe in the Indian market, we do not expect it to happen anytime soon. With the premium segment gaining popularity and becoming one of the hottest segments in the Indian markets, Hyundai has a very strong product which would spice up the market giving the Indian customers more options to choose from and would also a great comeback to India.  

              

Mini Cooper Convertible - India's Most Affordable Convertible Car

The British have contributed a great deal to the global car industry. Some of the most beautifully designed cars (the likes of Jaguar E-Type), benchmarks in car luxury (Bentley, Rolls Royce) and iconic car brands (Rolls Royce, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mini Cooper etc.) have all been contributions made by the British. When it comes to iconic car brands, Mini Cooper is amongst the most popular worldwide. Mid-1960’s onwards Mini has not only been a widely regarded car brand but also a popular British cultural icon. The Mini story began because of the fuel crisis in 1956, which gave rise to the demand for a city car which was efficient and easy on the pocket. The Mini was launched in an era where the rear-wheel powered cars were the norm, the engineers at BMC (British Motor Corporation) challenged that norm by creating the first front-wheel drive hatchback with an engine mounted diagonally. This remarkable decision made the Mini lighter and more spacious, making it a comfortable, fuel-efficient and perfect car for the urban environment. The first Minis to hit the roads were sold as branded Austin (Austin Mini) and Morris (Morris Mini) cars. John Cooper at the Cooper Car Company realized the potential of the Mini in motorsports. This led to the creation of the Mini Cooper brand as we know it today. The famed Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S were launched in 1960’s and have been loved by car enthusiasts’ worldwide ever since. Mini Cooper is world-renowned for producing fun to drive cars, having a superior ride and handling, a good balance of retro design and modern technology, car customization etc. The BMW group took over Mini Cooper from the Rover group in 2000 and gave the brand a lifeline – BMW relaunched the Mini Cooper brand with a range of refreshed, new models. Amongst the new line up of Mini Cooper cars is the Mini Cooper Convertible.

   The Mini Cooper Convertible is a convertible roof variant of the Mini Cooper S hatchback. The Convertible is an ideal car for both city and highway drives with the added benefit of a convertible roof. Just like any Mini, the Convertible stands out and is a certain head turner wherever you go. With a distinctly retro design and curved body, you will surely be noticed in your Mini Cooper Convertible. The iconic racing stripes are an indication of the rich racing heritage the Mini Cooper brand is proud of. The retro theme continues as you move inside, unlike modern car cabins Mini has used a lot of buttons, knobs, and switches without compromising on luxury. The central console is a round screen housing all infotainment functions. Though it is a 2-door hatchback there is sufficient space at the back, but only for 2 adults. The big highlight of this car is its ride and handling. What makes a Mini so special is the driving pleasure it gives to anyone who drives it! Driving a Mini is like driving a go-kart, the perfect ride and handling of the Mini have made it a favorite amongst people who love driving. The low-center of gravity coupled with a very well-engineered suspension makes the Mini an effortless drive, it just doesn’t seem to leave the road! The Mini is one of those cars that just pushes you to your driving limit around corners at the same time hugging the road keeping you safe and high on confidence, finally – with a huge smile across your face! The Mini Cooper is a masterpiece not only to the eye but also when you drive it…giving the ultimate satisfaction. With a heavy but well weighted, balanced steering wheel the Convertible is a confidence and safety inspiring drive. The Mini Cooper Convertible is powered by a 2 L naturally aspirated engine producing a massive 189 bhp of max power output mated to a fine 6-Speed automatic gearbox. Now that’s some serious power for a hatchback! This engine makes the Mini Cooper one of the most powerful hatchbacks on the market. The true beauty of the Mini lies in the sport mode. Once you put the car in sport mode, you shall experience the joy of driving a powerful go-kart! With heightened responses and throttle inputs, driving the Mini just goes to a whole new level. Mini Cooper has been a brand that has always created products that can be fully customized for customers, offering over 600 odd customization options. If you are keen on something even more powerful, you can always opt for the JCW (John Cooper Works) package – this includes an engine tuned to more power, sportier body kit amongst other items.

   With convertible cars being very expensive in India, Mini Cooper has an awesome alternative to other German rivals. The Mini Cooper Convertible is available at nearly half the price! With prices starting at around Rs.37 L (Ex-Showroom, Mumbai) the Mini Cooper Convertible is the most affordable of its kind in the Indian market today. So…if you have always wanted a luxury convertible and love to drive, but do not want to spend a lot – the Mini Cooper Convertible is the best choice for you!

   

Tata Tigor AMT - Practical, Affordable, Value For Money

The automatic gear transmission is a real boon, more so in a country like India. The increasing number of cars, excessive congestion on roads, large-scale infrastructure projects, lead to snarling traffic jams. Car users would agree that the daily commute from home to the workplace, is a grueling affair both physically and mentally. While driving a manual car, the constant hold and release of the clutch take a toll physically. This is where the added convenience of the automatic car comes to the rescue. Most cars sold in India are manual transmission ones, automatics have always been less preferred. In a country where the value for money, low ownership and maintenance costs, fuel economy is critical – manual cars are preferred over their automatic peers. Automatic cars are more expensive to manual ones is a well-known fact. Add to this the lower fuel economy they provide – owning an automatic car could be an expensive proposition. This leads to uncertainty amongst buyers when it comes to purchasing an automatic car over a manual one. However, the modern Indian car buyer is moving away from this uncertainty, sales figures of automatic cars in India are soaring! India is an extremely price sensitive market finding an automatic car which is affordable, practical and most importantly value for money – is a task, isn’t it? Well…the Tata Tigor (AMT) is an option that fits the bill perfectly.

  The Tata Tigor is the compact sedan (sub-4m) cousin of the Tata Tiago, sharing a common platform with the hatchback. The Tigor looks just like the Tiago from the front. But, when you come around the back you realize that the design is a revolution. The way the roofline blends with the boot - giving the Tigor a coupe-inspired design is remarkable for a car in this segment. On the inside you are greeted by the modern interiors we have been accustomed to with current generation Tata cars. The cabin is modern, well equipped with a good balance of practicality. The cabin is spacious and a comfortable place to be while on long journeys as well. There is sufficient leg room and headroom at the back, allowing for a comfortable experience. Back in March 2017, when Tata Motors launched the Tigor in India – there were only petrol and diesel manual options, an automatic variant was not introduced at that time. In November 2017, Tata finally launched the automatic petrol variant with an AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) gearbox. The 1.2 L Revotron petrol engine does duty on the Tigor mated to a 5-speed AMT, producing 85 bhp of peak power. The Tigor AMT is a welcome addition to a segment where young, first-time car buyers are an important part of the target audience and at a time the demand for automatic cars in India is at its peak. With an increase in congestion on roads due to major infrastructure projects, bad road conditions, ever increasing traffic and a scarcity of traffic having a compact sedan with the convenience of an automatic gearbox is a massive advantage for the daily urban driver. The AMT gearbox is a little sluggish and lethargic, which can take some time to get used to. Once you are used to this driving around the city, be it in bumper to bumper traffic or on an open section of road will be a breeze. The Tigor AMT has an ace up its sleeve – the AMT gearbox in the Tigor comes equipped with a ‘CREEP’ function, this allows the car to slowly move forward reliving the driver while in bumper to bumper traffic conditions. The AMT gearbox on the Tigor comes with three distinct driving modes – Eco, City, and Sport. It should be noted that the Tata AMT gearbox is one of the best in the segment, being more responsive with respect to competitors.

  The Tata Tigor is one of the best-equipped cars in the segment, coming with most of the bells and whistles and a superb Harman Kardon ConnectNext infotainment system which has a fabulous sound quality as well as integrated navigation, Bluetooth etc. With prices starting at about Rs.5.83 lakh, the Tigor AMT is not only one of the most affordable automatic sedans in the market but also a true value for money product. So in case you are on the lookout for a small automatic sedan primarily for city duties and you do not want to compromise on features, looks and tech…then you should definitely consider the Tata Tigor AMT!

  

Ferrari 488 Pista - The Next Super Ferrari

Car brands take their heritage quite seriously, and rightly so…after all it is their brand heritage that differentiates, sets them apart in the market. Also, more importantly, it creates a fan following amongst customers, enthusiasts etc. across the world. Some great examples of brand heritage are – Land Rover is a pioneer in world class SUVs capable of conquering any terrain, Rolls Royce from the UK produces cars which are the very top of automotive luxury, the Italian powerhouse Ferrari has from its inception produced some of the finest race cars ever. In a world where technology, innovation, and product differentiation are the predominant factors, we witness cars that are technological marvels in themselves. The latest addition to the tech marvel club is the Ferrari 488 Pista.

   The 488 Pista is based on the Ferrari 488, however, is a more track-focused variant of it. In case you were wondering the word Pista in Italian means ‘track’- and that’s where it belongs! The new 488 Pista is aptly named as there is a huge influx of technology and innovation Ferrari has used from its expertise in motorsport racing. Ferrari has been a pioneer in motorsport by implementing their learnings, R&D from the Formula 1 circuit to other race cars and road legal sports cars. The Pista continues the lineage of modern super Ferraris - the 360 Challenge Stradale, 430 Scuderia, and 458 Speciale. Powering the 488 Pista is the most powerful V8 engine Ferrari has ever produced. The V8 engine of the regular 488 does duty on the Pista but with a twist…a twin-turbo is used. The introduction of the twin-turbo increases the power output by a whopping 50 bhp – this gives the 488 Pista a max power of 711 bhp. Now, that’s some serious power! What helps more is the weight saving materials, technology Ferrari has used on the 488 Pista allows 90 kg of weight to be reduced. The sheer power coupled with weight saving gives the 488 Pista a 0-100 kmph time of 2.85 secs with a top speed of around 340 kmph. It is interesting to note that the official 0-100 kmph time of the Ferrari LaFerrari is “just under 3 seconds”. Ferrari makes supercars, but every now and then they produce a super Ferrari – the Ferrari 488 Pista is the next super Ferrari.

  The Ferrari 488 Pista is expected to debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March with prices yet to be announced. The latest Ferrari holds a lot of potentials to become the next big thing from the Prancing Horse.  

Mercedes-Benz Launches The 2018 S-Class For India

German luxury powerhouse Mercedes-Benz has launched new 2018 S-Class for the Indian market today. Initially, the Mercedes-Benz flagship was launched in India in 2014. The 2018 S-Class comes as a mid-cycle or mid-life facelift to one of the most popular luxury saloons worldwide. With over 6700 units being sold in India over 18 years, the S-Class has been very popular amongst Indian customers. The 2014 S-Class, when launched, was a true game-changer for Mercedes-Benz taking automotive design, innovation, engineering, safety and luxury standards to a whole new level.

  The new 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is more of a cosmetic facelift than a completely revamped new car when compared to its predecessor. The major changes on the outside are the new LED headlamps and a redesigned LED taillamp section. The interior remains the same -  there are a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a new leather, wood trim for the interiors. The 2018 S-Class now supports wireless-charging, a new 360 camera along with park assist. Mercedes has introduced the ‘Air-Balance Package’ allowing the customer to select from 6 personalized car fragrances adding a sense of personal flair, luxury. The ambient lighting system now gets a choice of 64 colors to choose from. The S-Class remains the longest car in the segment, the new rejigged air-suspension ensures you ride in the lap of luxury. The major changes come under the hood. The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class gets new engine options – the S350 gets a new 3.0 L in-line 6-cylinder diesel engine producing 286 bhp of max power while the S450 gets a new V6 3.0 L petrol engine producing 367 bhp of max power. It is interesting to note that the new 2018 S-Class is powered by the first BS-VI compliant diesel engine in India.

With prices starting at Rs.1.33 Crore for the S350 (Diesel) and Rs.1.37 Crore the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a benchmark and it seems to remain there. With the new Audi A8 also around the corner, the executive saloon segment seems ready for an interesting competition. 

Maruti 800 - The Car That Made Indians Realize Their Motoring Dreams!

The Indian automobile industry is one of the largest in the world, second only to China. India is the fastest growing market in the world! Primary growth factors such as an increase in disposable income, a decrease in age of buyers, higher consumer awareness and an increase in demand for car ownership have fueled this growth. However, the Indian automobile industry had humble beginnings post-independence. In the initial years after independence buying a car was a very expensive proposition. There were only a handful of car companies selling cars in India at that time. The cars sold in India were not manufactured here, they were imported – this resulted in additional expenses. Owning a car in India during the 1960s till the mid-1970s was considered a status symbol and often only for the rich class. Hence, the dream of owning a car for most Indians was a distant one. Quite a contrast to the times we live in today! Today owning a car is no longer considered a status symbol as they have become more accessible and easier to purchase. The Ambassador, Contessa by Hindustan Motors and the Premier Padmini were the only prominent Indian car around (after 1958). However, they were never really considered affordable family cars or in other words a mass-market Indian car. There was a void and huge demand for an affordable family car for the Indian masses. Maruti Suzuki a joint venture between Maruti Udyog Limited and Suzuki Motors of Japan – filled this void and introduced the Maruti 800 to the Indian market…and the rest is history!

  The Maruti 800 was a small hatchback perfectly suited for the city. The 800 was based on the Suzuki Fronte – a compact car sold by Suzuki in Japan. The original Maruti 800 (1983 year model) adopted a boxy but aerodynamic design. It was not only the most aerodynamic car in India at the time of launch, but also one of the most aerodynamic Maruti Suzuki had ever produced. Over the years the 800 has gone through several design changes. The Maruti 800 holds the distinction for being the first front-wheel powered car sold in India, unlike the other cars – HM Ambassador, Contessa and Premier Padmini which were powered by rear wheels. Selling a front-wheel powered car proved to be a masterstroke for Maruti Suzuki, as this allowed the 800 to reduce weight – it was by far the lightest car around in the Indian market! The lightweight of the Maruti 800 aided handling but did not compromise on safety and reliability even at high speeds. The 800 was a small car, despite its compact dimensions passengers could sit comfortably. On the inside, the cabin was a very basic one with only the essentials, being a car of Japanese origin, the emphasis was on practicality and passenger comfort. To the many Indians who had only dreamed of owning a car, the Maruti 800 interiors were more than sufficient. The Maruti 800 was powered by an 800cc petrol engine which also powered the Suzuki Fronte. The 800 was launched at a price of around Rs.50000, making it truly a car Indians could afford. The demand for the 800 was huge this resulted in long waiting periods often going into several months.

  The Maruti 800 is the second longest production car sold in India – second only to the HM Ambassador. Within a span of over 3 decades (1983-2004) the Maruti 800 has sold over 2.87 million units making it perhaps the most influential, successful car in India. The 800 is also amongst the best-selling cars of all time. The Maruti 800 is a product that exhibits the might of the Indian automobile industry – a product made for India, made in India and exported to several countries across the world. A product that all Indians can be proud of! The Maruti Suzuki Alto which was introduced as a replacement for the 800 in 2004, carries on the legacy in a legendary manner having very high demand outselling competitors in the segment. The Maruti 800 will be remembered for many more years to come as the car that made Indians realize their motoring dreams! 

JLR Launches The Range Rover Velar In India

Land Rover launched the Range Rover Velar for the Indian market yesterday. The Velar was one of the most exciting new car launches of 2017. The latest addition to the Range Rover family – the Velar slots in between the Range Rover Evoque and the Range Rover Sport. The Velar is one of the most visually appealing cars of recent times. A beautifully designed product, the Velar is a product unlike any other! The silhouette coupe-inspired roofline flows beautifully over the car, giving it a very sleek and modern look. It is by far the sleekest Range Rovers of all time. The intricate matrix LED headlamps to give the car a very futuristic, bold and aggressive look. The traditional honeycomb grille gives it a distinct Range Rover identity. Gerry McGovern, Chief Designer, JLR and his team have done a superb job at giving the Velar a good blend of elegance at the same time maintaining a rugged SUV stance.

     The Velar is as elegant on the inside as it is on the inside. On entering the cabin you are greeted by the simple, elegant and luxurious interiors. The cabin is spacious with premium leather interiors and super comfortable seats. The star attraction of the interior are the 2 touchscreen infotainment systems. The new system is Touch Pro Duo. These two screens replace all knobs, switches, and buttons on the central console. The entire cabin assures you that you are seated in a Range Rover – albeit the most advanced, innovative and tech-loaded of all! There is a good dose of innovation in the Velar. Firstly, the flush door handles which pop out when the car is unlocked and camouflage within the doors when locked/on the move. The 2 large touchscreens on the central console tilt towards the driver when the car is turned on. Another awesome feature is the Velar will automatically reduce its ride height when unlocked allowing the passengers to access the cabin easily when the car is ready to hit the road the ride height goes back to its original setting.

Though a most road-focused Land Rover yet, the Range Rover Velar also gets the latest version of the world renowned Land Rover patented Terrain Response System, this makes the Velar unmistakably Land Rover. The Range Rover Velar is available in a choice of 3 powertrains – 2.0 L petrol, 2.0 L diesel and a 3.0 L V6 diesel producing 250 bhp, 179 bhp, and 300 bhp respectively. With prices starting at ₹ 78.83 lakh the Velar is pitted against the likes of the Audi Q7, Mercedes Benz GLS, BMW X5, Volvo XC90, Jaguar F-Pace etc.